‘Dishom Guru’ Shibu Soren Dies At 81.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Shibu Soren, remembering him as a “grassroots leader” deeply connected with the people. Modi said Soren’s lifelong commitment to the upliftment and empowerment of tribal communities made a lasting impact on Indian politics. “His contribution to social justice and tribal welfare will always be remembered,” Modi said, expressing condolences to Soren’s family and supporters across the country.
‘Dishom Guru’ Shibu Soren Dies At 81: End Of An Era In Jharkhand Politics
New Delhi:
Veteran tribal leader, former Union Minister, Jharkhand’s three-time Chief Minister, and one of the most influential figures in the formation of the Jharkhand state, Shibu Soren passed away today at the age of 81. His condition had remained critical for the past several days.
His son and current Jharkhand Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, confirmed the heartbreaking news on X (formerly Twitter). “Beloved Dishom Guruji has left us. I lost everything today,” he wrote in an emotionally charged post, paying tribute not just to a father, but to a mentor and political titan whose legacy shaped modern Jharkhand.
Shibu Soren, popularly known as Dishom Guru — a title of deep respect among tribal communities — belonged to the Santhal community. He was born in the Ramgarh district when it was still part of Bihar, and his life journey was one of resilience, rebellion, and resolve.
A Movement Turned Into a StateSoren’s political life took shape in the early 1970s, when he joined hands with **Leftist trade unionist A.K. Together, they spearheaded the demand for a separate tribal-majority state carved out of Bihar — a dream that finally materialized in *2000*, giving birth to the state of *Jharkhand*.
In many ways, Soren was the voice of the voiceless — a relentless advocate for indigenous people fighting against displacement, poverty, and systemic injustice. His grassroots charisma made him a natural leader. He first entered Parliament in 1980, winning the Lok Sabha seat from Dumka, which would go on to become his political bastion for decades. However, in a surprising political twist, he lost the Dumka seat in the 2019 general elections to BJP’s Nalin Soren by over 45,000 votes.
The Chief Minister Who Never Completed A TermDespite being Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times, Shibu Soren was never able to complete a full term. His first stint in 2005 ended just nine days later, after he failed to prove his majority in the state assembly. Two more terms followed — each short-lived due to the volatile nature of coalition politics in the state.
His tenure in national politics wasn’t without turbulence either. Soren joined the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government in 2004 as the Union Coal Minister. However, his ministerial career was abruptly cut short when an arrest warrant was issued in connection with the 1974 Chirudih case, involving a communal clash between tribals and Muslims. But his second innings too was disrupted when he resigned again to take over as Chief Minister — a position that once more proved fleeting.
A Dark ChapterSoren’s political journey also included a dark chapter when he was convicted in 2006 in the sensational murder case of his former secretary, Shashinath Jha. The incident stunned the nation, marking the first instance of a Union Minister being found guilty of murder. He was later acquitted by the Delhi High Court, but the episode left a lasting shadow over his political career.
One of the final blows to his Chief Ministership came when the JMM voted in favour of a motion brought by the UPA in Parliament, despite being in alliance with the BJP in Jharkhand. In retaliation, the BJP withdrew its support, and the Soren government collapsed yet again.
A Family of Political TorchbearersHemant, who currently serves as both Chief Minister of Jharkhand and JMM president, has long walked in his father’s footsteps, carrying forward his political mission. Basant, too, is active in state politics as an MLA.
As condolences poured in from across the political spectrum, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Shibu Soren as a “grassroots leader” who was “passionate about empowering tribal communities.” Former colleagues and opponents alike praised his unwavering commitment to social justice, describing his death as the end of an era.
In Jharkhand and among tribal communities across India, Dishom Guru was not just a politician — he was a symbol of their struggle, aspirations, and identity. His voice may have fallen silent, but the echoes of his battle for the marginalised will continue to shape the political fabric of the region for generations to come.